Rubio urges India-Pakistan de-escalation in calls with Jaishankar and Sharif

Tammy Bruce said that during the two separate calls, the top American diplomat emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio listens as U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a swearing-in ceremony for the new U.S. ambassador to China, former U.S. Senator David Perdue, at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 7, 2025 / . REUTERS/Leah Millis

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on May 8, in separate phone calls with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, expressed support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan, amidst an unprecedented escalation between the two South Asian neighbours.

His spokesperson, Tammy Bruce, said that during the two separate calls, the top American diplomat emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation.

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“He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications. The Secretary reiterated his condolences for the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to work with India in the fight against terrorism,” Bruce said in a readout between Rubio and Jaishankar.

As per the readout of the call, the message to Prime Minister Sharif was almost identical. “The Secretary emphasized the need for immediate de-escalation. He expressed U.S. support for direct dialogue between India and Pakistan and encouraged continued efforts to improve communications,” she said.

“The Secretary expressed sorrow for the reported loss of civilian lives in the current conflict. He reiterated his calls for Pakistan to take concrete steps to end any support for terrorist groups,” Bruce said in a readout of the call between Sharif and Rubio.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged in recent weeks following a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists, including one from Nepal. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups for orchestrating the assault and launched precision retaliatory strikes on nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The escalation has drawn global concern, with several countries and international organisations urging both nations to exercise restraint and avoid further military confrontation.

The United States, maintaining strategic partnerships with both South Asian neighbours, has been actively engaging in diplomatic outreach to prevent further escalation.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s phone calls with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif are part of Washington’s broader effort to facilitate communication and reduce tensions. By emphasizing direct dialogue and reaffirming its commitment to counterterrorism cooperation with India, the U.S. aims to maintain regional stability while pressing Pakistan to crack down on groups that threaten peace in the subcontinent.

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